$60M in medical supplies donated to Berbice -MP warns against theft

ver $60M worth in pharmaceuticals and medical equipment was pumped into the East Berbice/ Corentyne Health services, in an effort to reduce shortages and improve health care delivery.
But John Adams, Ministerial advisor, within the Public Health Ministry has warned that the donations, which were made possible through Food for the Poor (FFP) Guyana Inc. and the Region Six Administration, are to be used for its intended purpose and that it must not go to any home or private pharmacy.
Further, Adams, who also heads the Task Force that addresses accountability within the Ministry, threatened those who may be found lapsing that the “Kaki” [police and prison officers] will have them arrested, prosecuted and imprisoned.
“Medical supplies are in a habit of leaving for Region Six, but they never arrive,” Adams said at the Regional Health Services Compound, Fort Canje, on Thursday.
He further noted, “I am saying to the Director and the CEO that you are being held accountable. The donations are given so as to deliver better health care. It must not go to anybody homes. Don’t let it get into anybody private pharmacy. By now you know that I head the task force, and if I find you lapsing, ‘Kaki’ will get you.”
He urged that the authorities take care of the equipment.
“In addition, you must care them. When you have equipment and medical supplies, it makes your job easier. We must have every piece of equipment inventorized. So when we visit, and ask for the inventory, we must be able to see what you have at your disposal .So don’t tell us you can’t find a part or two, because we will call our friends in ‘Kaki’. People must be held accountable,” he warned.
Adams said that the Ministry of Public Health is pleased that Food for the Poor Guyana Inc. can step in to ease the pressure of the Ministry.
He said, “We know at times we do not have all the medications, but we want a service that is comparable to none.”
Earlier, Director of Health Services, Mr Jevaughn Stephens, revealed that over the past eighteen months there has been an increase in persons accessing the health services, an indication that people are returning to the public health system.
Donations which included baby warmers, incubators, ventilators, examination couches, water coolers, pediatric scales, over the counter drugs, sterilizers and wheel chairs, were made to the Skeldon, Mibicuri Cottage and Port Mourant hospitals; the referral health institution at New Amsterdam, the National Psychiatric Hospital and 27 health centers scattered across the region.
Additionally, nine computer systems, which were purchased by the regional administration were also donated to boost the Health Information System; cellular phones were given to the doctors in charge of Mibicuri Cottage Hospital, Skeldon and Port Mourant Hospitals and the telephone operator at the National Psychiatric Hospital, so as to ensure that communication with the district institutions are made in a timely manner.
Meanwhile, representing Food For the Poor, Guyana Inc. was Alex Foster, who used the opportunity to implore the Regional Health Service to run the race to deliver a health service second to none. He announced the arrival of a further 1500 wheelchairs and the adoption of one health center every six months.
Also addressing the gathering was Regional Chairman, David Armogan, who, acknowledged that there are constraints within the local health sector, however he confirmed that efforts are being made at the ministerial level to address the issue.

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